Vol 115 — Issue 02
Huntsville, Texas
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
WHAT’S ON THE WEB
FEATURE PRESENTATION
INDEX
Nation & World...page 4
Visit our website to participate in our latest poll or post your comments on the stories in this issue at houstonianonline.com!
Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola shares his passion for crazy heart.
Viewpoints................page2
Entertainment........page 5
SEE page 5
Campus................page 3
Sports....................page 6
A l l t h e K i n g ’s M e n While a nation remembers a legacy, an SHSU professor recalls Baker’s movement in Huntsville. By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter
"I have a dream..." One of the most memorable phrases in American history was said by a man who denounced violence, but in the end was destroyed by it. Martin Luther King Jr. made great strives in the fight for desegregation of America, and his name was added amongst other revolutionary African Americans, including Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, to the history books of America. The son of Georgians, Martin Luther King, Jr., was born in January 1969 in Atlanta. The eldest child in his family, King soared academically and graduated from high school in 1944 at the age of fifteen. He stayed home for college, which probably relieved his parents during wartime. He entered Morehouse College, his father's alma mate, graduating three years later at the age of eighteen with a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1947. Around this time he became
an ordained minister. He was a third generation minister-his father pastored one of the largest congregations in the city, Ebenezer Baptist Church; his maternal grandfather was also a pastor of Ebenezer. In college, King perfected his public speaking skills and began studying the principles of non-violence, particularly the techniques of India's Mohandas Gandhi. King began pastoring at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1954. The church, with its large educated, middle-class congregation, searched for an impressive, vibrant minister who was new to the city. Several groups in the church and in the community, from college professor Jo Ann Robinson's Women's Political Council and Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porter union member Edgar D. Nixon of the Montgomery Voter's League to Rosa Parks of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), worked to mortally wound institutionalized racism and
racial segregation. "The young Dr. King, a newcomer to the city with no enemies, became the steering wheel that led Montgomery's successful bus boycott drive in late 1956," said Bernadette Pruitt, history professor and the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in history from the University of Houston. "The boycott, which lasted more than a year, catapulted the young pastor, husband, and father into national prominence. He created the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957 to bring churches and ministers together in an effort to fight discrimination." His star continued to shine as the modern-day Civil Rights Movement stirred the soul of a nation and world. "Ironically, King's message of love, hope and faith angered millions--black and nonblack," said Pruitt. "White southerners, hardly surprising, resisted desegregation and believed strongly in the doctrine of white supremacy. Many blacks, particularly
middle-class professionals, clergy; rank and file workers, feared job losses, violence, or worse." These issues affected many in the 1950s and 1960s and because of the controversy over civil rights among the black community, the largest African-American organization in the US, the National Baptist Convention, broke up. In Huntsville, Texas, I.e., World War II veteran and chemical engineer Wendell H. Baker and wife Augusta Baker paid the poll taxes of hundreds of African-American residents in an effort to bolster political mobilization among the blacks, said Pruitt. Baker, now 87, lost his teaching job with the Huntsville Independent School District in 1961 because he began building a brick home near developing all-white subdivisions in western Huntsville/Walker County. — See KING, page 4
A thought for your penny As death tolls to an estimated 200,000 in Haiti, Bearkats offer a paw to assist survivors in desperate need of donations. By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief
As the world mourns the loss of so many lives following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, students and organizations at Sam Houston find themselves digging deep into their and pockets to help out. While there is multiple organizations on campus taking donations, students interested in donating can find Alpha Kappa Alpha
having another drive to help Haiti this Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the LSC mall area. “We had one last Friday, January 15, for our sorority’s founder’s day, and it went really well for a Friday afternoon. People were really generous in their donations,” Titus said. Due to problems with shipping, Titus said they will only be taking monetary donations. If a students misses the
drive in the mall area, but is still interested in donating they can contact any member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. “I hope others will take part, and do what they can,” Titus said.
For more information please contact Jessica Titus by email at jlt009@shsu.edu.
For more ways to help individuals may contact the American Red Cross. •
Visit www.redcross. org. Look for the “Donate Now” link at the top of the page.
•
Text “HAITI” to 9-0-9-9-9 to make a $10 contribution
Turn to page 4 for the latest
Photo courtesy of The Associated Press
“People, one holding up a knife, fight for goods taken from collapsed stores in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010. U.N. peacekeepers patrolling the capital said popular anger is rising and warned authorities and aid organizations to increase security to guard against looting after Tuesday’s earthquake.”
Photo courtesy of The Associated Press
A Changing Industry The uncertain future of print is analyzed as an advanced society becomes more technologically obsessed. By Brittany Pires
Advertising Manager
We all know how it was in the past. The days of the little boy on the busy street corner, waving a newspaper in his hand; yelling “Extra, extra! Read all about it!” The father with his coffee in one hand and the local paper in the other. A young college student scanning the classifieds for work. Those days have certainly changed. To some, the newspaper industry has merely become an outdated media source that has been replaced by technology, with no where to go but down. But to the hopefuls, the future of newspapers is optimistic. “My message is just the opposite,” founder and managing director of News Corp, Rupert Murdoch said in his Wall Street Journal article, Journalism and Freedom. “The future of journalism is more promising than ever-limited only by editors unwilling to fight for their readers, or government using its heavy hand either to over-regulate or subsidize us.” With the economy in a poor state, newspapers have taken a huge blow to both advertising revenue and subscriptions. It is no wonder so many have lost their jobs and major newspapers are going under. According to the Washington Post, U.S. newspaper circulation has hit its lowest level in seven decades, as papers across the country lost 10.6 percent of their paying readers from April through Sept., compared with a year earlier. “Newspapers have suffered through a ‘double whammy’,” Huntsville Item publisher Dennis Garrison said. “When the economy slowed, real
estate and retail advertisers were not seeing the public spending much money with them. When people don’t spend money in stores, the advertisers don’t advertise. That’s why we are in the shape we are in.” However, it is the national and major-metro newspapers that are suffering far more than the local ones. While the larger newspapers have to compete with other forms of the media for readers, the success of community newspapers is based on the “local news” that does not affect the world as a whole. Even the use of the Internet to expand print newspapers does not compare to the local coverage that community newspapers have access to. “I believe the larger newspapers are suffering because they will see a bigger decline in subscriptions as the population in larger cities tends to prefer reading news online,” Kingwood High School Newspaper Advisor Michelle Palmer said. “Smaller newspapers tend to be exclusive to small towns, where the population, in my opinion, tends to prefer reading in print rather than online.” A major difference from the Internet to print is the lack of regulations of what can be published on websites and what cannot. When the public searches for news online, they are faced with bloggers and opinion news that is more likely aiming to persuade the reader to think a certain way about a story. Newspapers are run with a sense of integrity that the Internet has not truly been exposed to. Take the Super Bowl, for example.
— See SURVIVAL, page 4
Page 2 The Houstonian
Letter to the Student Body Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building, room 210. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.
VIEWPOINTS
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Comics for thought
Heath Wierck Viewponts Editor haw002@shsu.edu
Thanksgiving Paws Up, Facts andDown trivia Paws
With the Thanksgiving break approaching, we at The Houstonian decided to lighten the mood take a of look at the not-so-serious In thisand section the Viewpoints side of Turkey Day. After all, we all need page, we take a look at some various something funny to get us through the days news stories around campus and give with crazy families.
Comic courtesy of stan-isaac.com
Wanted: Skinny boy seeks “hot bod”
the parties involved either a “paws up” for a good job, or a “paws down” for a not so good job.
“Paws UP” to the Bearkat men’s basketball team edging out a win over Southeastern Louisiana in a very close game. Final score was 84-79.
“Paws DOWN” to the Dallas Cowboys suffering a humiliating loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, ending the hopes of a chance to the Super Bowl.
“Paws UP” to all the organizations around SHSU doing their part in raising money for the people in Haiti during this devastating time.
Thomas Merka shares his New Year’s Resolution and fears of working out. Day six and I feel like I am about to die. I am a six foot, 115 pound skinny white boy. Most girls would kill for my body, but to me it sucks. Despite popular belief, I do eat. I am not anorexic and I love a chocolate shake from Whataburger at two in the morning. I eat and drink whatever I want, whenever I want, but my metabolism hates me and prevents anything from sticking to my frail frame. I’ve tried all the shakes, bars and diets in vain trying to gain weight. With no where left to turn, the only thing left to try is the option I fear most…the gym. Every year on New Year’s Eve, at the stroke of midnight, I promise myself the same thing, “This year you will get in shape, you will gain some weight and you will look good in a swimsuit this summer!”
“Ever since that night, I’ve been afraid to lift weights in a gym full of people.” It all started with the elliptical machine. That thing kicked by butt, however I felt good about myself and I’ve never appreciated a shower so much. But then I had to face the truth. In order to gain muscle I needed to start lifting weights, something I’ve been scared of since Jr. High. During “The Awkward
weight training. In athletics, we had this program called a “Lift-a-thon” to raise money for the athletic department. That fateful night, in March of my 7th grade year, in front of the whole school, my wimpy, frail self had to struggle to lift the bar. Talk about embarrassing. Ever since that night, I’ve been afraid to lift weights in a gym full of people.
After a lot of begging and pleading, my friend convinced me to overcome my fear and start pumping iron. Lo and behold, I learned that everyone in the gym is too busy to pay any attention to me and more than likely won’t laugh or make fun of me for how weak I am. Armed with a new found confidence and three best friends as work out partners, this skinny white boy is no longer afraid of the gym. The lesson here is to never let the past hold you back. Now I can bulk up in peace. Beach bod, here I come! Thomas Merka is the Web Editor for The Houstonian. He is a Sophomore Broadcast Journalism major, Theatre minor.
Heath Wierck discusses his experience with the lack of helpful individuals in our society.
The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.
The Houstonian Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.......................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor Editor
STAFF Kristin Meyer.................................................................Senior Reporter Brandon Scott.................................................................Sports Reporter John Rudolph.......................................................................Photographer Krystal Jackson...................................................................Photographer Jared Wolf....................................................................................Graphics
Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Tammie Nokes.................................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager
Advertising Deadlines
Years,” a.k.a. Jr. High, I was in athletics for one year. Go ahead and laugh, but the day I made B-Team and not C-Team for basketball was one of the happiest days of my life. But back to my phobia of
Good Samaritan who?
“Paws DOWN” to the Houstonian staff having to work on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when they could be enjoying the spoils of a free day.
Lotis Butchko....................................................................Senior Joe Buvid.............................................................................Senior Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Heath Wierck..............................................................Viewpoints Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Thomas Merka...................................................................Web Amanda Earp.......................................................................Copy
And every year I break that promise. But not this year! Last Monday marked the beginning of a new me. Now six days later I feel like I am about to drop dead.
Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m. Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
Did you know that I’m a hero? Of course not in the sense of an entity blessed with supernatural powers for protection. Nor do I personally think of myself as a hero, but to the few people who witnessed my “heroic act” would say so. The scenario goes as such; my girlfriend and I were on our way home when I saw in the street were a couple of parked cars. The horrific part of the scene was the reason for the stopped cars, which happened to be that a girl and her dog were being viciously attacked by a Rottweiler—which to those who don’t know is an oversized beast of a dog. At this point my adrenaline kicked in; I floored my truck to where the girl was, slammed the vehicle into park, and immediately jumped out and grabbed the first item I could find from the confines of my truck (which happened to be a tennis racquet, not the best item, I know) and rushed to help. The girl was in an obvious state of hysteria, attempting to beat the Rottweiler away with a stick, but to no avail. I came in with my Excalibur of a tennis racquet, and realized very quickly that it served little to no purpose
in this fight. So I went back to the truck and luckily found a 3-iron to replace my tennis racquet. As I turned back around I saw the girl’s dog break loose from his leash, and knew this was going to get even worse. The Rottweiler continued his attack on the
in the vicinity of seven or eight, and none of them tried to help save the girl and her dog. The closest thing to helping anyone did was peer outside the precincts of their safe haven of a vehicle, though someone did manage to phone the police. But when faced against a rabid
“I think our culture needs a jolt of goodness zapped back into their conscience.” dog, the girl, and even me. Luckily I left my truck door open, and after what seemed an eternity of Rottweiler onslaught, the girl’s dog jumped inside. I was able to get the truck door shut while avoiding the snapping mouth of Cerberus himself, told the girl to hop in the back of my truck, and quickly sped away down the street to safety. Now the reason for this column is not selfaggrandizement on my part, or promoting my Good Samaritan ways, but to discuss the idea of selfless acts of individuals. During the whole fiasco I described, a number of vehicles ended up driving to where we were, somewhere
Rottweiler staying in your vehicle might be smart. What happened to a society where people actually help one another? I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve passed someone on the road with a flat tire, forgoing the idea of giving them my help. But it’s definitely not right. It’s the same complex of some pedestrian being run over, only to be left for dead; it’s remarkable how some people fail to care at all. It really upsets me that out of all the people there to witness the dog attack, I was the only one who dared to risk my health, or worse my life, to save a girl and her dog. I don’t see what I
did as some heroic act, but something that everyone and anyone should have done; help save another human being. I know there is still good in people, and that there are people out there who would have done exactly as I did, but those people are few and far between as clearly shown by the lack of participation from the spectators. I think our culture needs a jolt of goodness zapped back into their conscience. In a world that grows more cold and violent with every day, it would be nice to have a few more Good Samaritans.
As a side note, in my adrenaline rushed state, I failed to obtain any information about the girl I helped. If you know this person, or about the incident, please contanct me as I would like to check on the status of the girl and her dog. Heath Wierck is the Viewpoints Editor for The Houstonian. He is a Senior English major, History minor.
CAMPUS
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Spring 2010 Art Exhibit Schedule Jan. 19 - Feb. 11 “50th Art Faculty Exhibition” Reception Thurs. 01/21/10 5-7p.m. Featuring: Artwork by the current SHSU staff Feb. 22 - Mar. 25 “Death & Taxidermy” Reception Thurs. 02/25/10 5-7p.m. Featuring: Dick Lane, Cara Brewer Thompson, Vaughn Wascovich and Kimberly Witham Apr. 12 - Apr. 29 “11th Annual Juried Student Exhibition” Closing Reception & Award Ceremony: 04/29/10 5-7p.m. Feautring: Artwork by SHSU Art Students May 10 - May 14 “Graduating Sr. Exhibit” Featuring: Spring and Summer 2010 Seniors
The Houstonian, Page 3
Art faculty to show off creations A n t e u p , b e a r k a t s ! 50th Art Faculty Exhibition scheduled to begin Jan. 19 By Jessica Priest Associate News Editor SHSU’s Art Department faculty members will get a chance to show off their work outside of the classroom at the 50th Art Faculty Exhibition. The exhibition, which will begin on Jan. 19 and last until Feb. 11, will be hosted in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery and include art work from as many as 20 Art Department faculty members. “There will be paintings, ceramics, sculpture and electronic mixed media,” said Audio/Visual Librarian Debbie Harper. “This exhibition will allow students a chance to see the artwork that their professors create.” A reception for the exhibit
will be held on Jan. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery. Refreshments will be served and professors will be on hand to speak to students about the artwork displayed. There is no cost of admission and all students are encouraged to attend. “This will be the first of four exhibits for the spring semester,” Harper said. The next exhibit, entitled Death and Taxidermy, is scheduled to open on Feb. 22. It will feature artists Dick Lane, Cara Brewer Thompson, Vaughn Wascovich and Kimberly Witham. The Gaddis Geeslin Gallery is named after former SHSU art faculty member, Gaddis Geeslin, MFA, who was hired by SHSU in 1948. Geeslin, who taught at SHSU
for 37 years, was the Chairman of the Art Department from 1962 to 1972 and the Dean of the College of Fine Arts from 1966 to 1975. He also established the Edward Geeslin Art Scholarship before retiring as Professor of Art in 1985. The Gallery was named in his honor when he retired. The Gaddis Geeslin Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. and located in the SHSU Art Complex, Art Building F, Room 101.
For more information, contact the Audio/Visual librarian for the Art Department, Debbie Harper at 936-294-1317.
XWO Reborn wrestling offers a new form of family oriented entertainment XWO R e b or n w re st l i ng v i s it s Joh ns on C ol i s e u m f o r “ N e w Ye a r ’s R e v o l u n t i o n a r y Wa r ” e v e n t By Mike Silva
DeMarco won a five-man
Scramble.” The “New Year’s
Associate News Editor XWO Reborn wrestling visited the Johnson Coliseum last Saturday in the “New Year’s Revolutionary War” event. The event saw five matches, including three title matches and two underscore fights. Gordon “The Scottish Nightmare” Wallace pinned Rock Hardway to win the “No DQ” match. “Cash” defeated XWO Asylum student Joey Kross in a dominant effort. Ricky “Primetime” Douglas defeated Mikey 13 to win the “No Limits Championship.” Team SEX defended their belt in the “TCW Tag Team Title Match” over Team XL. In the finale, Steve “Sexy”
Joe Buvid | The Houstonian
XWO Reborn wrestling: XWO Reborn wrestling visted the Johnson Coliseum last Saturday for their “New Year’s Revolutionary War” event.
match to win the “Main Event XWO Championship
Revolutionary War” event was XWO Reborn’s first
event of 2010. “We wanted to start out 2010 with a bang,” High Roller Hayze, co-owner and performing member of Team SEX, said. “XWO can offer the best family entertainment in the state of Texas right now and we want to show everyone that.” XWO Reborn is a professional wrestling organization based in Huntsville, Texas that started in 2000. XWO Reborn has expanded from a small wrestling group into a wide-scale wrestling organization in its 10 years of existence. The organization bases itself on family oriented entertainment, while attempting to stick to a clean agenda. XWO Reborn also contributes an amount of its earnings to charity and works with volunteer
The Lowman Student Center presents the first Texas Hold ‘Em tournament of the semester By Brittany McClure Contributing Writer The Lowman Student Center is presenting the first Texas Hold ‘Em tournament of the semester on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The tournament will be held in the Kat Klub, which is located on the first floor of the Lowman Student Center, from 5 to 9 p.m. All students and faculty members are invited to attend this free event. Texas Hold ‘Em is a poker game similar to poker that has risen to popularity, thanks to the televised World Poker Tour and multiple outlets for online game play. Students who are interested in participating in the tournament should sign up at the Kat Klub. Jacob Bullion, assistant director of Operations of the LSC, said that 15 students have signed up so far. The maximum capacity of 35-40 people is expected to be reached, so students should sign up quickly. Anyone who participates in the event is invited to stay groups in the community. “We always like to run a family-friendly show,” coowner Victoria Hayze said. “I don’t believe in swearing or a bunch of blood. We just want to put on a family-friendly show.” “We’re working with the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, the Special Olympics of Texas, Boy Scout troops, and in the future we look to work with the YMCA, as well,” Hayze said. XWO Reborn held three events in Huntsville in 2009 in July, Sept., and Oct. The plans for 2010 hold hopes for two more events in the immediate future, including two more trips to Johnson Coliseum in both March and May. XWO Reborn can offer a
and watch the remainder of the rounds if he or she is eliminated, but participants are allowed to leave if desired. Prizes are awarded through a point system. Tournaments will be held multiple times throughout the semester and points earned in each tournament will carry over until the final round, which will be held at the end of April. The Kat Klub has been presenting Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments for several years and each tournament has been very successful. It also features 8-ball and 9-ball pool tournaments throughout the semester. Bullion encourages students to participate in these tournaments. “It’s free and college students love free stuff! They can meet new people and just have a good time,” said Bullion. The next Texas Hold ‘Em tournament is scheduled for Feb. 3. For more information or to sign up for the tournament, visit the Kat Klub or call 936-294-1722. new breed of entertainment with wrestling that is familyfriendly that goes towards a good cause. XWO reborn offers a different kind of entertainment that viewers find especially interesting. “XWO is one of the best indie wrestling promotions that we have in the state of Texas right now,” XWO’s talent coordinator, Vixen Reign, said. “We’ve got some of the best young talents that you will find. Highflying, acrobatics, you want to see if you come to an XWO show.” XWO Reborn will be back in action on March 27 at the Johnson Coliseum. The event will be XWO’s second of 2010.
THE
HOUSTONIAN
Now Hiring Part-Time Account Executives
Bring Your A pplication in Today! Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. Room 210 Houstonian Account Executive Application Date: Name: Address: Phone #: Expected Graduation: Start Date Available: Qualifications/Skills:
Experience working with people as an account executive or sales person:
Please complete this application and turn into Rm 210 in the Dan Rather Communications Building. You will be contacted by phone for possible interview.
Make Great Money While Still in College!
Page 4 The Houstonian
NATION & WORLD
Thurssday,January 19, 2010
Five people shot to death in southeast Texas
BELLVILLE, Texas (AP) — Five people who lived in a small home in an isolated area of southeast Texas were gunned down, and a man who lived with them was being held for questioning, authorities said Monday. Sgt. Paul Faircloth of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office said a 69-year-old man, his 54-year-old wife, a 25-year-old woman and a child who was about 3 years old were found shot to death inside the small brick house over the weekend. An adult male was found shot to death in the woods just behind the house, Faircloth said. Investigators are still determining how many
times each person was shot and what the motive may have been. The 20-year-old man being held for questioning was arrested after trying to break into a nearby car and house at about 3 a.m. Sunday, after the slayings, Faircloth said. The man was held at gunpoint by a neighbor until authorities arrived, Faircloth said. The man is charged with burglary and attempted burglary, and the district attorney’s office is reviewing the case to see if capital murder charges will be brought against him as well. Four of the victims were identified were George
Photo courtesty of bellvilleedc.com
T. Washington, 69; Debra Washington, 54; Kiana Shree Thearse, 25; and Khalilah Masse-Chambers, about 3. Authorities were still trying to identify the man found in the woods, Faircloth said. The victims and the man in custody were living together, but the relationship between them hasn’t been determined, Faircloth said. The bodies have been sent to the Travis County medical examiner’s office for autopsies. The home, an aging single-story home, sits on a large lot off a two-lane farm-to-market road across the street from a large plot
of pasture land. The closest neighbors are several hundred yards away, and the home backs up to thick woods. Several sheriff’s department and Texas Department of Public Safety vehicles were parked in front of the home early Monday. Bellville is a town of about 4,000 people located 55 miles northwest of Houston. The area drew attention in August with the shooting death of a physician at his ranch. Two suspects were arrested days later and charged with killing Dr. Jorge Mario Gonzalez of Houston.
More troops, aid go to Haiti, but hunger persists By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU and MICHELLE FAUL Associated Press
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Troops, doctors and aid workers flowed into Haiti on Monday even while victims of the quake that killed an estimated 200,000 people still struggled to find a cup of water or a handful of food. European nations pledged more than a halfbillion dollars in emergency and long-term aid, on top of at least $100 million promised earlier by the U.S. But help was still not reaching many victims of Tuesday’s quake — choked back by transportation bottlenecks, bureaucratic confusion, fear of attacks on aid convoys, the collapse of local authority and the sheer scale of the need. Looting spread to more parts of downtown Port-auPrince as hundreds of young men and boys clambered up
broken walls to break into shops and take whatever they can find. Especially prized was toothpaste, which people smear under their noses to fend off the stench of decaying bodies. At a collapsed and burning shop in the market area, youths used broken bottles, machetes and razors to battle for bottles of rum and police fired shots to break up the crowd. “I am drinking as much as I can. It gives courage,” said Jean-Pierre Junior, wielding a broken wooden plank with nails to protect his bottle of
From SURVIVAL page 1
More readers read the newspaper the day after than viewers who watch the event the previous day. Newspapers retain their readership by presenting the unbiased facts and the full story, as well as relating to their readers. “From the beginning, newspapers have prospered for one reason: the trust that comes from representing their readers’ interests and giving them the news that’s important to them,” Murdoch said. “That means covering the communities where they live, exposing government or business corruption, and standing up to the rich and powerful.” Another issue that newspapers begin to face, is the decline in readership from the younger generations. Currently, a major portion of readers come from generations before and during the baby boom. Their generations relied on newspapers for news before television and Internet. Consumerism has become a frenzy leading the public to buy the newest and greatest
rum. Even so, the U.S. Army’s on-the-ground commander, Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, said the city is seeing less violence than before the earthquake. “Is there gang violence? Yes. Was there gang violence before the earthquake? Absolutely.” U.S. officials say some 2,200 Marines are set to join 1,700 U.S. troops now on the ground and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon announced Monday he wants 1,500 more U.N. police and 2,000 more troops to join the existing 7,000 military peacekeepers and 2,100 international police in Haiti. While aid workers tried to make their way into Haiti, many people tried to leave. Hundreds of U.S. citizens, or people claiming to be, waved IDs as they formed a long line outside the U.S. Embassy in hopes of arranging a flight out of the country. Roughly 200,000 people may have been killed in the magnitude-7.0 quake, the European Union said, quoting Haitian officials who also
said about 70,000 bodies have been recovered so far. EU officials estimated that about 250,000 were injured and 1.5 million were homeless. Even many people whose houses survived are sleeping outside for aftershocks will collapse unstable buildings. And while the U.N. said that more than 73,000 people have received a week’s rations, many more still wait. So many people have lost homes that the World Food Program is planning a tent camp for 100,000 people
device that will allow them to have more control at the tips of their fingers. Now, the younger generations are so focused on technology, the little time spent getting the news is through media, via the Internet or television. “I have an iPhone, so most of what I read about the news is on there,” SHSU Mass Communications student Samantha Berezowsky said. “It’s just so much easier to check the news on the go, especially with the hectic schedule of school and work.” Most people understand the importance of reading any news source, therefore they will justify an electronic source as being just as legitimate as a print news source. Some feel it is the wave of the future to transition all hard print online, including books, newspapers, and magazines. Yet, others simply like the black ink residue that remains on your fingers after a good newspaper read. “Newspapers will always be here,” Garrison said. “With newspapers migrating to the Internet and using it to produce an online version
Photos courtesy of The Associated Press People beg for food and water outside a supermarket in Port-au-Prince, Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. Troops, doctors and aid workers flowed into Haiti on Monday even while hundreds of thousands of Tuesday’s quake victims struggled to find water or food.
— an instant city the size of Burbank, California — on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, according to the agency’s country director, Myrta Kaulard. About 50,000 people already sleep each night on the city golf course where the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division has set up an aid camp. In town, Bodies still lay in the street six days after the quake, but Haitians had made progress in hauling many away for burial or burning. People were seen dragging corpses to intersections in hopes that garbage trucks or aid groups would arrive to take them away. Six days after the quake, dozens of rescue crews were still working to rescue victims trapped under piles of concrete and debris. “There are still people living” in collapsed buildings, U.N. humanitarian spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs told The Associated Press. “Hope continues.” She said some might survive until Monday — and a few special cases could make it further: Rescuers pulled a 30-year-old man and a 40year-old woman from a ruined supermarket on Sunday. Officials said they had had survived for so long by eating food where they were trapped. Stunned by images of the disaster, the European Union
of the printed paper, papers will still command a great audience.” There have been many ideas established in order for newspapers to survive this “crisis.” Newspaper publishing corporations have began expanding their territory and buying out struggling newspapers. However, that has not always succeeded with the financial burden too high. Another attempt is the Newspaper Revitalization act which is currently in the process of being reviewed. It would allow newspapers to operate as non-profits if they chose, in exchange for government funding. However, they would not be allowed to make political endorsements. “If a newspaper is funded by the government, consider all their rights gone,” Berezowsky said. “Yes, they say newspapers can publish whatever they want and they’ll be tax exempt… it sounds great at first. But it just means they have an authority figure over them. It’s not really freedom of the press anymore.” Whether or not technology has led to the decline of newspapers,
Commission said it would contribute euro330 million ($474 million) in emergency and long-term aid to Haiti. EU member states also poured euro92 million ($132 million) in emergency aid, including 20 million pounds ($32.7 million) from Britain and euro10 million ($14.4 million) from France, which also said it was willing for forgive Haiti’s euro40 million ($55.7 million) debt. “The impact of this earthquake is magnified because it has hit a country that was already desperately poor and historically volatile,” said British Development Secretary Douglas Alexander. U.S. officials, meanwhile, agreed with U.N. officials on a system to grant priority to humanitarian flights, responded to criticism that military and rescue flights had sometimes been first in line, according to the U.N. Some countries and aid groups such as Geneva-based Doctors Without Borders had complained planes filled with doctors and medical supplies had been forced to land in the neighboring Dominican Republic and come in by road, delaying urgent care for injured quake victims by two days. The problem may be eased by U.S. expansion of the cramped airport’s capacity. The U.S. military spokesman in Haiti, Cmdr.
they have begun taking the recession as a competition; only the strongest survive. Newspapers learned to adapt when color was introduced, and began printing color pages in order to attract more readers. USA today is one of the only national newspapers in full color and is the second most read newspaper in the U.S, behind the Wall Street Journal and followed by the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Washington Post. The future of journalism, and newspapers particularly, belongs to the bold. The companies that prosper and stay afloat will be those that incorporate new ideas into their existing routines in order to meet the need of their readers. Adaptation seems to be key in the world of reporting. The public relies on the media to deliver the news in order to be a well-informed citizen. “Whether the newspaper of the future is delivered with electrons or dead trees is ultimately not that important,” Murdoch said. “What is most important is that the news industry remains free, independent, and competitive.
Chris Lounderman, said about 100 flights a day are now landing, up from 60 last week. “The ramp was designed for 16 large aircraft,” he said. “At times there were up to 40. That’s why there was gridlock.” In Paris, French Cooperation Minister Alain Joyandet expressed concern about the major U.S. military role in the country, saying it should be clarified: “This is about helping Haiti, not about occupying Haiti,” said Joyandet, who last week complained about U.S. handling of the airport. But other French officials were conciliatory. “You have a small airport ... which was devastated by the earthquake and you have hundred of planes which want to land,” French U.N. Ambassador Gerard Araud said. “So it’s totally normal that there are delays, but I think that the situation has dramatically improved.” He said it’s still more important to repair the damaged seaport — a task U.S. officials are working on. “In terms of aid, it’s the port where we can bring most of the aid,” he said. Former President Bill Clinton, who arrived with his daughter, toted crates of bottled water at the airport and shook hands with doctors at the capital’s General Hospital,
He lost his job but ultimately secured work as a technical professional at the Goodyear Tire Company, becoming the first black technical professional in the Golden Triangle industrial region. Baker, who formed the Walker County Voter’s League (the first Negro Voter’s League formed in Texas in 1927 to fight the White Democratic Primary, which kept blacks away from the polls) in the 1960s, also worked with others to desegregate both the Huntsville Public Independent School District (HISD) and Sam Houston State University. Even while the Brown decision ushered in the period of school desegregation in 1954, HISD would not desegregate until the mid to late 1966. Supreme Court case, at the same time, Sweatt v. Painter forced the University of Texas to desegregate in 1950; SHSU opened its doors to black students 15 years later. Blacks never gave up hope. The Bakers in Huntsville, like the Kings, Malcolm Xs, Andrew Youngs, Parks, Jaspyr Sanfords, Jesse Jones, Naomi Ledes of Huntsville and Houston, etc., cultivated national and local grass-
crammed with about 1,500 patients. He promised that his foundation would provide medicine and a generator so that doctors there can work through the night. Clinton is the U.N. special envoy for Haiti and he has joined former President George W. Bush in leading a campaign for donations to help the country. A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. John Kirby, said in Washington that the United States expects to have 4,000 to 5,000 U.S. troops in Haiti by midweek and the same number at sea, with the hospital ship USNS Comfort arriving by Wednesday. At the United Nations, meanwhile, the secretarygeneral said he needs the extra troops for six months, and the police would likely stay longer. U.S. deputy ambassador Alejandro Wolff said he expects the Security Council to approve the increase by Wednesday. U.N. peacekeeping chief Alain LeRoy told The Associated Press that the Dominican Republic has already pledged an 800-strong battalion and the U.N. has other offers. France’s Araud said European Union foreign ministers agreed Monday to send some more police.
roots movements that helped transform the United States and world. These movements brought black activists together from around the world in an effort to fight racim, colonialism, and poverty. As for Dr. King, he continued human rights activism in Montgomery, Birmingham, Nashville, Memphis, and Chicago until his untimely death in 1968. Martin Luther King Jr. continued to convey his message of love and hop until the very end. Dr. King died April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, while in the city to support striking sanitation workers. “King’s dream continues here at SHSU as one of the most diverse college campuses in the state and perhaps in the nation,” said Pruitt. “Students debate these issues, talk honestly, and express a range of emotions on affirmative action, gay rights, abortion, health care, religion, the economy, intraracial politics, poverty, and each other. Only through healthy, honest conversation can the nation and world realize global love and justice, Dr. King’s ultimate goals.”
Tuesday, Jnauary 19, 2010
ENTERTAINMENT
The Houstonian, Page 5
At the Movies with Kevin:
Crazy Heart combines great acting with touching story Kevin Jukkola
Entertainment Editor
Great acting comes from a performer’s ability to express the supreme range of emotion and subtext of a persona with the least amount of action. Jeff Bridges understands this truth possibly better than any other person alive. Bridges is never trying to be any of the complex characters he plays, he just is. In “Crazy Heart”, Bridges plays the legendary “Bad” Blake, a broken-down country singer who uses booze and women to drown the sorrows that inspire his sad music. At the beginning of the film, he seems content to waste his talent on a career headed nowhere. While playing at a bar in Santa Fe, “Bad” agrees to an interview with Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and their obvious chemistry seems to spark feelings that he has long attempted to avoid. The perils of their relationship constitute the majority of the film, but the outcome of their
love affair is both uncertain and unimportant. Scott Cooper, the writer and director, beautifully paces the film in a way that allows the characters time for reflection and recognition without a single unnecessary scene. Each moment attempts to penetrate a different part of the character’s souls and most succeed. Cooper shows the most depth and maturity as a filmmaker when he pollutes the scenes between Bridges and Gyllenhaal with smoke, indicating a self-destructive presence that haunts their relationship. Maggie Gyllenhaal continues to take challenging roles that require an emotional range most actresses would not touch. She played a vulnerable sadomasochist in “Secretary” and a recently released drugaddict in “Sherrybaby”, while avoiding turning these people into pathetic caricatures. Gyllenhaal has strung together consistently superb performances in various forms of filmmaking that includes big budget blockbusters and
independent cinema, while continuing to reaffirm my belief that she is one of the most gifted actresses working today. In “Crazy Heart”, Gyllenhaal plays a single mother who momentarily ignores her son because of her own desire to be happy. She is not guilty of a sin of lust, but rather a victim of her own humanity. Her goodness manipulates her in to believing that “Bad” can change and that she should give him a chance. Maybe she does suffer from a sin of pride by thinking that she is the person that can force this upon him. The drama in the final passages of the film comes from whether these sins will be too much for their relationship to overcome and if “Bad” will fall back in love with himself. As country superstar Tommy Sweet, Colin Farrell plays a person who remembers where he came from and where he doesn’t want to go. Farrell and Bridges have a scene in which memories are exchanged in hope to grant some insight
Hopeful glance. “Bad” Blake (Jeff Bridges) and Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal) look into each other’s eyes with the belief that their faith in another person will finally be rewarded with better results.
into their relationship, which increasingly appears to be Tommy using “Bad” as a cautionary tale. Jeff Bridges is “Bad” Blake in body, mind, and soul. His raspy voice infers years of hard drinking and smoking that is both perfect for country music and hazardous for health. Bridges plays “Bad” as a man who makes no apologies for who he is, while being contemplative and regretful of past transgressions that have caused hard times. This is a tricky role because Bridges makes it easy to see why people are attracted to “Bad” and attempt to help him, even after they quickly realize that this is impossible until he chooses to help himself. The film has been compared to “The Wrestler”, and the two stories do have their similarities. Both films chronicle tortured souls who attain solace through their work and become addicts for their celebrity, instead of grateful for themselves. I believe “The Wrestler” is a slightly superior film because of the continuously gruff, polluted look it uses to illustrate the harsh realities in which these characters live. That said, if my biggest complaint with “Crazy Heart” is that it is often too beautiful, that doesn’t seem like much of a criticism at all. The ending is satisfactory without being sappy, understanding the resonance it wishes to have without imposing it upon anyone. The audience, like those around him, root for “Bad” Blake and wish him well, even when he has made it abundantly clear that he doesn’t give a damn about us.
Crazy Heart
Stars: * * * * Grade: A Running Time: 112 min. MPAA: Rated R for language and brief sexuality. Cast: Jeff Bridges (“Bad” Blake), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Jean), Colin Farrell (Tommy Sweet), Robert Duvall (Wayne), James Keane (Manager). Written and directed by Scott Cooper. Based on the novel by Thomas Cobb.
The Messenger, Up in the Air speak profoundly to today’s troubled times Kevin Jukkola
Entertainment Editor
Many films have been released in the past few months that attempt to reveal the true nature of our turbulent times, but the two stories which most connected with me as complete, extraordinary visions of our society were “The Messenger” and “Up in the Air”. Both of these movies deserve careful observation for the impact they will have on future generations attempting to attain an accurate sense of it was like to be alive today. The Messenger Imagine being the person who is tasked with letting families know that their loved ones have perished in battle and watching the aftermath of their emotions that often blame you for their current devastation. In the midst of this, you are forced to effectively be a statue because of intense, focused,
and unambiguous protocol that illustrates empathy as weakness that implies incompetence. Now, think of this job that constitutes continuous sadness as simply a part of the guilt that infests every moment of your life. In the heartbreaking film “The Messenger”, the director, Oren Moverman, creates a poetic atmosphere of delicate observation meant to reveal the inner hurts and desires of the complex characters. There are moments where he allows the camera to watch the characters as they become exposed to the audience in more intimate ways than they are to themselves. Moverman uses lighting, darkness, closeups, and wide lens shots to imply depths in scenes and thoughts of characters that would seem invisible if they were not subtly uncovered by these camera techniques, along with the thoughtful screenplay and tremendous skill of the talented actors.
The performances, especially an exceptionally truthful turn by Ben Foster and great feats of acting from Woody Harrelson and Samantha Morton, provide the foundation for the entire dramatic tension in the film. There are two emotionally shattering scenes with Steve Buscemi that provide an insight into the way unbelievable hurt often explodes into raging, uncontrolled emotion, and that humanity returns only after coming to peace with the fact that your perpetual loneliness is a reminder you are alive. “The Messenger” explores engulfing, intricate emotional issues that are pervasive during war but nonetheless prevalent at all other times. The film does this without ever exploiting its subjects or the themes it courageously tackles, with an ending that is perfect both in what it says, what it implies, and what it leaves to the mysteries of the heart.
Houstonian Classifieds Real Estate
1,800 sq. ft. 4 bed/ 2.5 bath w/ 2 refridge. 2-car garage, walk-in closets, fire place, new appliances, granite countertops. $1,350/mo Call 832-242-4718 Classified Rates • Rate: $1.50 per line, per issue • All ads must be paid in full prior to publication • No refunds • Lost and found ads are free • Deadline: For Tuesday’s paper is 12 p.m. Thursday For Thursday’s paper is 12 p.m. Monday Note: The Houstonian is not responsible for any misleading or misinterpretation of advertisements.
Up in the Air “Up in the Air” is the rare cinematic masterpiece that is both timely and timeless. It contains moments of heartache and hilarity, passion and subtlety. The film’s appeal is universal and unending, telling a story about a man whose overwhelming loneliness and pain is purposefully shielded by his isolated occupation. Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) fires people for a living alone, until he is forced to show Natalie (Anna Kendrick) the ropes. At one point, Ryan sees Natalie typing with a purpose and quickly realizes that he has never had a reason behind any of his actions. He is emotionally grounded, and the film is about him becoming closer to heaven by making himself available to the unique virtues of love. Ryan has more loyalty to American Airlines than he does to anyone else, especially himself. Ryan stereotypes people, seeing
nothing beyond their exterior because he has never bothered to truthfully and closely look beneath the surface of any of those around him. He is selfish, but does not love himself. Ryan is a walking contradiction, which is what makes him so fascinating. Ryan desperately covets love and yet never allows the vulnerability necessary to achieve this most selfless
Looking for answers. Ryan (George Clooney) wants to be told what to do in “Up in the Air”.
of acts. Ryan meets Alex (Vera Farmiga), and their relationship could give him the possibility of achieving what he wants if only he is willing to sacrifice. Their blossoming relationship is both innocent and tender, urgent and zealous, while always rooted in reality. All of the actors embody their roles with an astounding ease. The ending provides the audience with another level of poignancy, with profundity that seemed impossible at the outset. “Up in the Air” specifically illustrates this time and place with troubles that continue to haunt every person who knows their soul is broken, even while foolishly hoping that its waning presence will be enough to fulfill their desires. It is the best film of 2009, a brilliant achievement that deserves to be appreciated for the intricate themes it explicitly expresses and the humane people it so carefully observes.
SPORTS
Page 6 The Houstonian
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
SHSU BASKETBALL
Conference play is heating up
The Bearkats men’s basketball team played well for the first half of the season. But the challenge is ahead, as Sam Houston State begins Southland Conference play. playing well and defending well and look to keep it up.” Sam Houston opened the season with two warm-up exhibition games against LeTourneau and Texas College. They beat up on the smaller schools by a total of 68 points before entering the Cancun Classic. The Kentucky Wildcats, at the time ranked fourth in the country, welcomed the Bearkats to Rupp Arena, the largest basketball arena in the United States. The Wildcats jumped out to a 12 point lead three minutes into the game. Senior guard Corey Allmond’s eight first half field goals kept Sam Houston in the contest, along with 12 three-pointers made by the Bearkats.
pointers in a game, the same record he set last season. Brandon Scott Ultimately, the offensive Staff Reporter burst was not enough to withstand Kentucky. The Midway through the Bearkats fell 102-92 to the season, Bearkat basketball Wildcats. is on the rise as Sam “I think it was a big deal Houston enters Southland for our players going against Conference play. the winningest team in After defeating college basketball,” Coach Southeastern Louisiana Bob Marlin said. “They last Saturday, the Bearkats were ranked number four at improved to 10-5 on the the time. That was probably season, 2-0 in conference the biggest crowd our guys play. have ever played against.” While Sam Houston’s The losing continued record is impressive, streaky in the second game of the performances leading up tournament when Sam to this point have revealed Houston traveled to Ohio to character in the team that face Cleveland State. currently holds second place The Bearkats opened the in the West Division of the game trailing 17-2 before SLC behind Texas A&M going on a 26-17 run to Corpus-Christi (3-0). Sam cut the lead to six points. Houston and A&M CorpusAfter putting on a shooting Christi are currently the only clinic in Rupp Arena, Sam Houston continued their success from three point range shooting 11-22 against Cleveland State. Despite the effort from the Bearkats, they never led in the 80-65 loss. When the team traveled to Cancun for the final two games of the tournament, the Sam Houston backcourt of Ashton Mitchell and Allmond combined for 33 points in a 71-65 victory over Oral Roberts. The tough defense displayed by Oral Roberts forced the Bearkats to win the game down the stretch at the free throw line. “They were doing a good job on Corey and denying him the ball and he didn’t panic,” Marlin said. “He drove and was able to get inside and he got himself to the free throw line.” Sam Houston was efficient throughout the entire game. They shot 50 percent from the field and forced Oral Roberts into 17 turnovers. The Bearkats also went 1418 from the free throw line. In the final game of the tournament, Sam Houston defeated Rider 80-65. Joe Buvid | The Houstonian Ashton Mitchell drives to the basket for an easy lay-up. Mitchell led the team with 28 points. Allmond received They set a team record all-tournament recognition teams in the conference that remain undefeated in league with 18 three-pointers in the based mainly on his recordgame, which is also a Rupp breaking performance at play. “It’s good to be winning Arena record for opponents. Kentucky. The Bearkats won four games,” Bearkat point guard In the game, Allmond tied Drae Murray said. “We’re a school record of 11 three- of their next five games,
Southeastern Louisiana downs Bearkats
Photos courtesy of Brian Blalock
Gilberto Clavell, a post presence Sam Houston lacked in the past, powers his way to the hole.
including wins over MidAmerican Christian, Ecclesia, Auburn, and Florida International, to improve to 8-3 overall. Against Auburn, Sam Houston scored a seasonhigh 107 points. When Sam Houston visited Wright State, they were pummeled 88-44. The Bearkats had one of their worst offensive performances, shooting a season-low 28 percent from the field. SHSU then faced Western Michigan in another losing effort, falling 74-73. The Bearkats lost to Western Michigan
Sports Information
Photos courtesy of Brian Blalock
Paul Ridings
Sports Information
HUNTSVILLE – Rashima Jenkins scored 20 points to lead Southeastern Louisiana as the Lions ended a fourgame losing streak Saturday afternoon with a 70-60 Southland Conference women’s basketball victory over Sam Houston State at Johnson Coliseum. After trailing by nine points early in the second half, the Lions outscored Sam
Houston 25-12 in the final 10 minutes as Southeastern Louisiana upped its record to 7-9 for the season and 1-2 in Southland action. Brittany Brooks lead Sam Houston with 16 points and the Bearkats suffered their eighth loss in a row to fall to 3-11 for the year and 0-2 in league play. Other scorers in double figures were Erica Burgess (13) and Kim Edmondson (12) for the Lions and Whitney Smith (11) and Chanice Smith (10) for Sam
Houston. The contest was tied six times with five lead changes. Sam Houston built a 35-28 halftime lead and were up 3930 after a layup by Whitney Smith a minute into the second period. But the Lions hit 14-of-28 (50 percent) from the field in the second half while Sam Houston could manage only 9-of-28 (32 percent). Southeastern Louisiana out-rebounded the Kats 50-33 with Jenkins pulling down 13 boards and Zevy Ivory 12.
of the season. Coach Marlin weighed in on the status of the team. “SFA was picked to win the East Division but we believed Southeastern Louisiana had the most talented team in that division,” Marlin said. “They were undefeated at home so getting these two wins have been big for us. We want to keep improving and we’re on the right track.” The Bearkats next conference foe will be Texas State, a team that Sam Houston has beaten three straight times.
Sam Houston Track and Field Indoor Season Kicks Off Paul Ridings
Terrah Austin, Junior Lady Bearkat forward, shoots over an opponent for the score.
for the second consecutive year; this time from a gamewinning basket by David Kool. Since conference play began, the Bearkats have beaten two tough Southland Conference opponents. Sam Houston won their conference debut by defeating Stephen F. Austin 66-57 to begin conference play two weeks ago. The Bearkats built on their home conference victory over SFA with an 84-79 road win over Southeastern Louisiana. The team feels that it’s on the right track not entering the second half
The Sam Houston State track and field teams started the 2010 indoor season with strong performances in meets at McNeese State Friday and Texas A&M Saturday. In a field that featured the region’s best competitors, the young Sam Houston State track and field team put on a strong showing Saturday at the Texas A&M Invitational. The Bearkat men and women posted 11 top 10 finishes in the event. The McNeese State meet gave some of Sam Houston’s younger athletes an opportunity for their first collegiate action and head coach David Self saw some positives in both meets. “There were good performances in both meets,” Self said. “It was great to get things underway and see what everyone could do.” At Texas A&M, both the Sam Houston men’s and women’s relays put on quality performances. Monika May, Folashade George, Tonicia Wimberly and Jessica Fisher teamed for a fifth place finish in the women’s 4x400 with a time of 3:48.76. Jay Newman, Roger Rueweker, John Thomas and Courtney teams for a sixth place finish in the men’s 4x400, running 3:13.11. Among the top individual finishes at Texas A&M was
Kristi Hermes’ third place in the women’s pole vault with a mark of 11 feet 6.5 inches. Producing fifth place finishes were Scottie Jones 60m hurdles (8.25), Michael Courtney men’s 400m dash (47.25) and Jason Russell men’s weight throw (53’ 11.25”). Newman was seventh in the 60m hurdles (8.25), Clint Anders ninth in the mile (4:23.27) and Jacob Schultz 10th in the weight throw (47’ 7”) to provide other highlights for the men. Jenny Zoch was seventh (48’ 9”) and Christina Webb ninth (47’ 0.25” in the weight throw and Ambra McCuin 10th in the long jump (18’ 1.75”) to post strong marks for the women. At McNeese Friday, Stephen Brown won the men’s triple jump and was
one of seven Bearkats to post a runner-up finish. Brown won the triple jump with a mark of 46 feet, 8 inches. He also finished second in the high jump with a leap of six feet. Other men’s runners-up included Matt Johnson in the 55 meter hurdles (7.78) and Roger Rueweler in the 600 meter run (1:22.81). Women who posted runnerup finishes included Alyssa Dooley in the mile run (5:33.03), Dakota Stewart in the 600 meter run (1:38.75), Kristin Gallow in the long jump (17’ 2.75”) and Shelbie Zotyka in the pole vault (10’ 11.75”) Next action for the Sam Houston track and field teams will be the Wes Kittley Invitational hosted by Texas Tech in Lubbock next Saturday, Jan. 23.